The upcoming WNBA draft is highly anticipated due to the presence of impact players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink, who not only possess immense talent but also have a strong following among basketball fans. Clark, in particular, has garnered attention with her impressive play and signature logo shots. With a record 18.9 million viewers tuning in to watch the NCAA championship game where South Carolina defeated Iowa, Clark has helped bring new fans to the sport. She is expected to be the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever, with the draft taking place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in front of 1,000 fans, marking the first time fans will be present.
While Clark is a clear top pick, players like Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, and Kamilla Cardoso are also highly valued and are in contention to be drafted early on. The Los Angeles Sparks, who have the second and fourth picks, are looking for foundational players who can make an immediate impact while also having room for long-term growth. The draft order also includes teams like Dallas, Washington, Minnesota, Chicago, Connecticut, New York, and Atlanta. Overall, there are three rounds and a total of 36 picks to be made, offering various opportunities for teams to strengthen their rosters.
Injury setbacks are a part of the draft process, with All-Americans Mackenzie Holmes of Indiana and Elizabeth Kitley of Virginia Tech facing issues that will prevent them from playing in the WNBA this season. Holmes has announced that she will undergo surgery to address her knee injury, with hopes of being ready for the 2025 training camp. On the other hand, Kitley suffered an ACL tear in her left knee, causing her to miss postseason play. Despite these setbacks, both players are seen as having great potential for success in their future careers, with Kitley in particular being noted for her versatility and impact around the rim.
Fifteen players have received invitations to the draft, including top prospects like Clark, Reese, Brink, Jackson, Cardoso, and Kitley, among others. These players have shown their skills at the collegiate level and are now preparing to take the next step in their basketball careers as they transition to the professional level. The WNBA draft serves as a platform for these athletes to showcase their talents and potentially have a significant impact on their respective teams. It will be interesting to see how these players perform as they embark on their journey in the WNBA and contribute to the growth and success of women’s basketball.
